The fruit of the Chinese bayberry, also known as the "fengyan fruit," is a versatile ingredient with rich nutritional value. It not only helps to regulate the gastrointestinal system but also has detoxifying and insecticidal properties, as well as anti-aging effects. Let's take a look at the medicinal uses and identification methods of the fengyan fruit.
Medicinal Value of the Fengyan Fruit
The fengyan fruit can be used as both food and medicine. When cooked with various types of meat, it has the effects of nourishing the stomach, clearing the intestines, clearing heat and dampness, and improving eyesight. It is especially suitable for consumption in the southern climate.
The fengyan fruit can also expel intestinal worms from the human body, especially when there is abdominal pain caused by the upward movement of intestinal worms. It has a significant effect in treating this condition. In addition, it has detoxifying properties and can be used to treat scalp sores in children.
The fengyan fruit contains a large amount of carbohydrates, which can provide energy for life activities and have anti-fatigue effects. It also contains a certain amount of fiber, which can clean the intestines and protect the gastrointestinal system.
Methods of Consuming Fengyan Fruit
The fengyan fruit not only looks beautiful but also tastes delicious. The taste of the fruit is similar to chestnuts, and it can be cooked in various ways, such as stewing with duck, pork ribs, or chicken.
Especially in the Panyu and Shunde regions, the fengyan fruit is a seasonal delicacy that is appreciated by many knowledgeable food lovers.
The fengyan fruit itself has the effects of warming the stomach, invigorating the spleen, relieving annoyance, and reducing heat. It is a rare ingredient. The fengyan fruit can be steamed, boiled, roasted, and braised. It can also be used to make desserts and soups.
Distinguishing Real and Fake Fengyan Fruit
When looking at the flowers, the flowers of the fengyan fruit are small and dense, resembling small palace lanterns. The flowers of the fake Chinese bayberry resemble small red stars when fully opened, with cracked sepals. The colors are also different, with the fengyan fruit being milky yellow or light pink, while the fake Chinese bayberry is pale red.
When looking at the leaves, the leaves of the Chinese bayberry are broadly rounded to elliptical, much wider than the leaves of the fake Chinese bayberry, which are elliptical to lanceolate in shape.
Actually, distinguishing the fruits is the easiest. The fengyan fruit generally has 1 to 3 seeds per pod, with sizes ranging between broad beans and pigeon eggs, much larger than the seeds of the fake Chinese bayberry!
The fruits of the fake Chinese bayberry, which are produced in summer, are palm-shaped and radiate outwards. Inside, there are small black pearl-like seeds, with 5 to 7 seeds per pod, only as big as peanuts.
